Will there be a corona cure soon? AstraZeneca gives hope with the first test results

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca gives hope for a corona cure that wants to prevent severe courses and deaths.

The first test results were probably positive.

Cambridge - Can people infected with Corona soon fall back on a means that can stop serious disease courses and deaths from antibodies? At least that is what the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca promises, which according to its own information is well on the way to such a means. According to the manufacturer, "AZD7442" reduces severe courses and deaths by half if it is administered within seven days of the onset of symptoms.

Within five days, the preparation, which consists of two antibodies, is said to have worked as much as 67 percent in the comparison group.

It is given with a syringe containing 600 milligrams.

"These positive results indicate that simple intramuscular administration of AZD7442 could play an important role in fighting the pandemic," said study leader Hugh Montgomery.

Coronavirus: New AstraZeneca drug tested in 900 adults

The antibodies are supposed to stay in the body for months after administration to beat the virus. Above all, they are intended to help those people whose immune system is poorer. Around 900 adults with mild and moderate symptoms were part of the study. Although no patient had to be hospitalized, 90 percent of the participants belonged to groups with an increased risk of illness.

A total of 18 cases of severe progression to death were observed and 37 in the group that would have received only a placebo.

It is said that the injection was well tolerated.

According to biopharmaceutical expert Mene Pangalos, the AstraZeneca agent can be used for therapy but also for prophylaxis.

"Early intervention with our antibody can significantly reduce the progression of a severe course and protect it for another six months," he claims.

A spokeswoman said Monday they wanted to continue to talk to the regulatory authorities about new data.

Because of the prophylactic properties of the agent, an application for an emergency approval in the USA should now be made.